Been to visit Del Dotto Vineyards Estate almost annually for ten years now, covering their amazing cave tour and tasting for Elite magazine, Eve’s Wine 101 and the SCV Beacon. I have never had an experience like it: After entering the subterranean entrance, guests are greeted with expansive views of marble floors and Venetian glass chandeliers, a large tasting bar…and then you notice the private bars set up around the room, and a large curtain off to your right that, when opened, reveals the long path of barrels – many with different oak expression from different sources – and expectantly you’ll follow their guide and his wine thief to what will truly be a most remarkable tasting.

This time we started at the bar with a tasty sip of the 2015 Chardonnay from the Cinghiale Vineyard, a Family Reserve, while Gerard Zanzonico, Del Dotto’s winemaker of ten years, shared his stories on the recent fire.

#NapaFire

“All fires are now contained…just finished Harvest…415 tons of grapes…long year…fire effected many people and destroyed homes and vineyard land..569 homes were lost in Napa County…” Gerard explained. “In Santa Rosa there was 5,400 homes burned down, many commercial structures also (with a ) loss of $3 billion. Tourism is down and it is a good time to go to restaurants, etc. At times, it is hard to believe this happened.”

No Del Dotto employees lost their homes, though some of the grapes still hanging came back from the lab with “smoke taint” and therefore could not be used. During the fire roads were closed, however winery workers that wanted to (and were able to) come in worked with Gerard doing pump overs. The whole town was evacuated. Rumor is that the cost to rebuild homes in Santa Rosa has skyrocketed to $1,000 per square foot.

The Estate Tasting

As we followed Gerard into the caves we stopped to try a barrel sample of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 887 in French oak. We are the first to taste this according to Gerard – and there would be more than one first! Really got a nice flavor of black fruit and toasted oak. This would be one of many to watch when it’s released. We tried the same wine in a different French oak – Fouquet Margaux – here, as Gerard explained, the oak wasn’t as integrated. For me it was a bit less dark and brooding, and equal in quality, another to watch out for.

The wine thief then stole a taste of another we were the first to taste: 2016 St. Helena Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon in French oak. Gerard said this one had earned a full 100 points in the past from wine critic Robert Parker. (A full 50% of this Cabernet was destined to go into another grand Cabernet, The Beast.) This wine retails for about $200 a bottle, which works out to about 60k a barrel. Why would we need to know the cost of a barrel? As some people – a few – have purchased by the barrel.

Next came the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 887, currently on the market but with not much left. Big and balanced, and good to go. Destined to be a 100-pointer when reviewed.

The 2015 Oakville Vineyard Estate Cabernet in French oak has since been moved to a Piazza Reserve label (we would be tasting wine in a paired lunch there next). Gerard said his best wines come out of Oakville, and that the AVA produced higher priced wine. The south section is notably better than the north. He drops tons of fruit to make an intense wine for the 887 labels. This had more perfumy aromas to me, very welcoming.

Onto a sample of the 2015 St. Helena Mountain Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine also goes into the making of The Beast; making it more age worthy.

The 2016 barrel sample of the Villa del Lago Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon – the 2014 garnered 100 points – should be bottled and ready for release in February of 2019. Gerard said that “some of the best wines are from Pritchard Hill.” Their vineyard on the east side, which is near the lake, allows the grapes to be cooled off at night.

Winemaking

Most of these wines are only produced at between 12 to 14 barrels a year. They are either sold via VIP allocations or direct to consumer at the winery. They rarely sell wholesale to restaurants or stores.

Gerard focuses on the vineyard over the winery, “We grow the wine in the vineyard” as he walks his vineyards, manages the canopy, isolates the weaker areas, looks at the clusters – all in his effort to make the finest wine for the average $200 per bottle price tag.

The “winery work is a mathematical equation”, according to Gerard, while the vineyard doesn’t work that way.

The Piazza

Not as grand in size as The Estate but just as appealing, the Piazza focuses on food and wine pairing with seated tastings and two different menu experiences. When you arrive here you will notice the bright yellow two-story tasting room, rustic ceiling, fountain and gardens – which will soon be dwarfed by the caves, with large portals (what doors leading into caves are called) and a hospitality area currently under construction. Stay tuned, as caves will most likely open in phases over the next three years. The Piazza itself just opened in September of this year.

Entering the Piazza you will notice the large open kitchen on your right, the tasting bar on your left, another tasting area directly in front, and just outside the doors are several tables set up for the wine and food pairing experience.

Gerard took us upstairs where there were several seating arrangements for guests as well as a conference table set up for a large meeting and/or tastings.

Piazza Del Dotto Food and Wine Pairing

Chef Josh Schwartz, formerly of The Laundry and one of many chefs in Napa in the TKG (the “Thomas Keller Group” as jokingly referred to by Gerard) and sommeliers work together on two different menus. The four “Poppers” isn’t not what you think of when you think poppers, these are four small bites created for the sole purpose of pairings. The second menu is called the “Delicacies Tasting Menu.” We had samples from each that included a cheese and fruit plate; Maine Lobster Roll on Toasted Brioche paired with the 2014 Piazza Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast Cinghiale Vineyard; Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef Piccoburger with Black Truffle paired with 2014 Piazza Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley and the 2014 Piazza Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; and finally the sous chef presented Cabernet sorbet. It was both a grand experience and an enlightening one as we discussed how each pairing worked out.

Piazza Del Dotto Wine Tasting

The wine list currently includes tasting from the Estate as well as Piazza labels. The Chard mentioned above is made with California clones and is French oak aged. We also enjoyed a 2016 Rose of Pinot Noir from the Cinghiale Vineyard. A treat for me was a rather tasty and easily affordable $45 2014 Petit Verdot what was from St. Helena Vineyard. There are only about 200 cases of this wine, their first foray into Petit Verdot.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

We’re giving you DOUBLE the fun this year as we begin with our pre-party celebration on August 17th at TPC’s Oaks Grille! Come by from 5pm to 9pm for happy hour pricing all night long, bartender lessons, DJ MAV (the same DJ we will have at the main event for the third year), dancing and the best sunset in Santa Clarita, all while giving back to the WiSH Education Foundation! Have a big party? Call ahead to reserve your table: 661-288-1995.

Cocktails on the Roof, on August 25th, has us looking forward to a new, fun layout, more lounges (you can even sponsor your own lounge – email Wish@Hart District.org to learn more) and voting on your favorite Craft Cocktails – you’ll even be able to win a social or dinner for a group of six this year in our new silent auction tables!

Everyone is a VIP this year! All tickets are general admission ($85) so you get to enjoy the entire evening from 8pm until 11pm… or come as a Designated Driver and enjoy mocktails and all that amazing food for just $65. All tickets at the door are $95. Either way, let us know about your excitement with #COTR17 on all your social media posts!

Although WiSH sponsors many programs and initiatives NOT funded by tax dollars, we are focusing our funding this year on the ARTS, with another emphasis on our public school libraries. Together we can make a difference for our public school youth in our own backyard! Why not have fun while raising badly needed funding?

Well, we can certainly tell from the social media BUZZ around town that you are VERY excited about the upcoming Cocktails on the Roof on August 25, 2017. Come join your hosts Eve Bushman of Eve Bushman Consulting, Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and Amy Daniels, Executive Director of the WiSH Education Foundation at our NEW Pre-Party on August 17th from 5-9pm at The Oaks Grill in TPC. Gear up for #COTR17 with NO COVER, happy hour pricing all evening long, bartender lessons and our #COTR17 DJ MAV and dancing. With the best sunset viewing from their amazing patio, the Oaks Grill is also donating 15% of their proceeds back to the WiSH Education Foundation.

On THE ROOF, what you will recognize from previous years is the amazing venue atop the Macy’s parking garage at Westfield Valencia Town Center and the wonderful all-you-can-partake-in signature cocktails and food, DJ MAV for the third year and dancing and cool, modern lounges and lighting.

What will be new this year is that everyone’s a VIP! Rather than have two levels of tickets, we invite everyone up on THE ROOF from 8-11pm, while our sponsors will be greeted at 7:30pm. General Admission tickets are only $85 and Designated Driver tickets are $65 (by bracelet). Tickets at the door, if still available, are $95.

NEW: WiSH you could be a sponsor and get first dibs??? This year you CAN – we are offering a limited number of private 10’X10’ lounges that seat up to 8-10, allowing you and your friends – or your company – a spot to gather on your own for the party! The cost of the lounge, which includes all marketing, private entry and signage, is only $1,000! Get yours before they run out by contacting Executive Director Amy Daniels at WiSH@hartdistrict.org.

NEW: SoCalMagicMirror.com is joining us, “An Entertainment company specializing in providing the latest in entertainment venues for parties, weddings, business openings and more! More than just a standard ‘photo booth’, SoCal Magic Mirror provides a full length mirror to take your picture at the event, allowing a head-to-ankle capture instead of the standard waist-up shot. You can also write on the screen, choose from hundred of emojis, and personalize your pictures in ways other booths only dream of.”

In addition, our layout will be slightly larger to allow for the fun to reach all corners of the event so no matter where you are, the fun will follow. Don’t forget to have that picture taken at our Step and Repeat as you enter, sponsored by The Magazine of Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine. Tickets are live AND limited – don’t be left off THE ROOF – get yours right now at www.WiSHscv.org.

Our wonderful and generous sponsors are lining up to again be a part of the fun while giving back to our local students. WiSH greatly appreciates Westfield Valencia Town Center, The Magazine of Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine, The Signal, Brightview Tree Company, Nick Rose Insurance, Lundgren Management, California Credit Union, Andy Gump, Oasis Associates, SolPrint Solutions, Craig and Lisa Eichman, Jeff and Melanie Meyer, Eve’s Wine 101, Peterson Printing and Graphics, Littler Mendelson, Randy Plaice and Associates and the Watters Group. We would also like to thank SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Burrtec, MitchPicksWine.com, Enchanted Kids, KHTS, SCVTV. Want to join us as a sponsor of COTR17? Email us at WiSH@hartdistrict.org.

From a recent trip to Napa I had a lot of wine, emphasis on a LOT, to taste. The story on the wineries will be in the upcoming April/May (2012) edition of Elite Magazine of Santa Clarita. But, for my wonderful readers, a thirsty audience that can’t wait until April, some of my tasting notes are below for wines I found truly remarkable:

Below is a vertical tasting of the Il Barone, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (The few scores mentioned were offered by our host and the years not mentioned were unavailable for tasting):

2005, 100% Cab: Aromas of chocolate sauce, root beer, cherry candy followed by a welcoming taste of chocolate covered cherries and a gentle dryness of the palate.

2007, 94% Cab, 94 pts RP, 99 WS: A somewhat vegetal nose – with plenty of mushroom that was quickly surpassed by a great plumy taste and incredible smoothness.

2008, 94% Cab, 92 RP: Nice dark fruit and toastiness on the nose, and then a lovely blend of both dark fruit and black pepper on the palate.

2011, barrel sample, 100% Cab not yet blended: Young but plenty of potential!

Terra Valentine

2007 Yverdon Cabernet: Made from grapes from their property (and many soil types) this wine had a deep garnet color, a smooth balanced nose of plum and other dark fruits. The taste was just as balanced as the aromas promised a lovely fruit bowl of flavors and some white pepper to round it out.

2007 Wurtele Cabernet: Sourced from grapes grown three miles away with volcanic soil, we were greeted by a dark ruby to purple color, followed by flavors of both dark and bright fruit, some stemminess and dark cherry. (This is the one Jason Park has on the menu at Maru.)

Both of the above wines were aged in French Oak.

2007 Marriage: The color was a dark ruby with a brown edge – indicating some age. Made in a Bordeaux blend style of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot, I got some chocolate on the nose, and then…dark, ripe, spicy fruit – seemed altogether ripe and ready to drink!

Chateau Montelena

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Montelena Estate, 99% Cab and 1% Merlot: A ruby color with a slightly darker hued edge, and then a blast of jammy fruits: raspberry, cherry and plum. Pepper and tannins hitting me at the finish, the taste was round. Enjoyed the tannins against the bright fruit flavors.

Santa Clarita is all ABUZZ waiting for September 9th and the second annual Cocktails on the Roof event, held on top of the Macy’s parking garage at Valencia Town Center! The one and only “signature cocktail” party of the year is back, New York rooftop style, with greenery, inventive lighting, DJ and Dancing (have you seen the “Thriller” teases on our FB event page?), selfie spots, cozy lounges and all the food, fun, cocktails and mocktails in our now famous mini martini glass!

Our VIP Early Entry tickets, $95, are new this year and a HUGE hit. You asked for an extra hour, YOU GOT IT. General Admission tickets, $75, enter at 9pm and our Designated Drivers are only $65. Put on your cocktail dress and remember when you used to party – plan on coming early and staying late as the fun doesn’t end until MIDNIGHT when we’ll have to kick the dancers off the dance floor, just like last year! Tickets will be sold online until NOON on Thursday, September 8th. If tickets are still available, they will be sold at the door, all levels, for $95. This event was a SELLOUT last year and there is a limited number available. Go to www.WiSHscv.org to for your tickets.

This year you also get to vote on your favorite drink! When you check in at the front entrance, you’ll receive your entry bracelet, martini glass and THREE tickets. Make sure you vote for your favorite cocktail or mocktail by 10:15, when we’ll be pulling tickets and counting the votes to announce the winners at 11pm! Stay tuned for every exciting announcement (and guest party secrets) on WiSH Education Foundation’s website, Facebook and event page.

Hosted by Eve Bushman of Eve’s Wine 101 and Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, this year promises to be another amazing event to benefit the 23,000 students of the Wm. S. Hart School District. WiSH supports programs and initiatives not supported by tax dollars. Look for our new “WiSHing Well” – an opportunity to make local public education’s “WiSHes” come true with your donations. Remember that 100% of the net proceeds of this event goes to benefit local public education through WiSH, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

WiSH asks that you be responsible – 21 & over only; please leave your car in the parking garage overnight and take alternate transportation if you need to.

New: KEEP THE #COTR16 PARTY GOING ALL MONTH LONG AT Wolf Creek Brewery every Tuesday night in September from 4-9pm – bands, corn hole tournaments, food trucks and 10% all going to benefit WiSH! Buy a Golden Eagle Ale at Wolf Creek Restaurant all month long and Wolf Creek will donate .50 per drink to WiSH.

Eve Bushman has been consulting for well over two decades, currently as president of Eve Bushman Consulting “EBC,” formerly known as Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting, which she founded in 2012. EBC provides business and marketing advice for both wine and non-wine related businesses, specializing in creating and implementing out-of-the box marketing ideas, management/networking tools, social network training, press releases, event assistance, newsletters, advertorials and website content. Eve Bushman can help you “bring them in and bring them back,” so you can keep those customers you get. Let Eve help you “unlock your
business potential.”www.evebushmanconsulting.com

Congratulations to Santa Clarita Valley’s most savvy and successful businesswomen! Thanks to these 21 women, élite Magazine’s inaugural Ultimate Ladies in Business Awards has been our biggest award yet, bringing in more than 10,000 votes from the community. And each vote is a testament to the power and influence of our beloved female business professionals. Ladies, thank you for pouring your time and passion into this community. We can’t wait to see what you do next! (read more via this link)

For our first effort, out of the chute, outstanding! The SCV Wine Fest is officially now the largest wine event in town.

A small line curled around the outdoor patio, filled with cigar-smoking guests of the event, at the 2pm event start. Many guests arrived early to take advantage of some of the classes also offered: a wine seminar by sommelier Mark Newman, Scotch tasting class with Scotch Master Chris Uhde, Sake tasting class led by Yoshi Murakami and our own Cindy Schwanke from COC’s Culinary Arts department, making and pairing chocolate desserts with wine.

One of the first people I got to see again was Dr. Joel Fisher. Planning for his 6th annual LA Wine Fest after completing his 1st SCV Wine Fest Joel said, “I’ve already decided. Same weekend, same hotel, for SCV Wine Fest 2012.”

From there I worked my way through the program (See the entire list and my favorites below) with a handy bottle of water courtesy of Castaic Lake Water Agency. I was pleased to see my own name in a special thanks section, as well as the highly-respected publications I write for as sponsors: The West Ranch Beacon, Elite Magazine and The Magazine of Santa Clarita.

The fest guests had so many choices! Besides tasting wine from Temecula to Napa, they could peruse gifts, sip sake, get a scotch lesson, taste beers, weird wine tastings, sample wine from the Ventura County Wine Trail, enjoy food truck fare or, get a palm reading!

I made my way stealthily through the tented area outside, then I ventured inside. (I had to double back to both places when peeps told me about wines they wanted me to try.) And got to spend as much time as I could with both Yoshi for Sake and Chris for Scotch – thrilled to find that those that didn’t get to attend the classes could still benefit from tastings, and, their expertise.

When it was time for me to go I wanted to record a bit more of my day so I videotaped the indoor crowd and a small group of Pulchella winery admirers outside. (Go to http://www.youtube.com/Evewine101 for those.)

Of the guests I interviewed all were pleased with the event. The one thing that struck me most was not only how well attended the inaugural effort was, but how well it was put together. I think next year this will be the number one Valentines Day Pick!

Join Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley and take a Sunday afternoon stroll down Town Center Drive tasting wine (also beer), and savoring food while listening to live music. With a main event ticket purchase, you can enjoy succulent food tastings, drinks, and music at 10 venues and restaurants to Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Included at the main event, will be an Oktoberfest-style Beer Garden sponsored by Paulaner International, and an outdoor painting party amidst the revelry. Proceeds from your ticket purchases will be used to support Soroptimist International of the Americas worthy causes such as women’s health and crisis issues.

You also have an opportunity to “kick start” your day with SI of Greater Santa Clarita Valley by purchasing a VIP event ticket (which will also include access to the main event on Town Center Drive). A two-hour VIP event, with library wines and premier beers, complimented by amazing catered food in The Patios from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Tickets are $50 for main event and $100 for VIP event. See you there. Buy your tickets online at www.sigscv.org today!

Soroptimist International is an international volunteer service organization founded in 1921 for business and professional women of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups. The mission of this organization is to improve the lives of women and girls in Santa Clarita Valley and throughout the world.

If you haven’t already heard the buzz, well now you have. SCV Unscripted is the newest production of Prime Publications, Inc., publishers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita and élite Magazine. Together with Bonnie Keith, owner of Video Magic Production, and Eve Bushman as host, SCV Unscripted is dedicated to bringing even more awareness and publicity to your business or organization through use of video marketing.

You may ask, “Why video?” Using a mix of print as well as video marketing strategies makes the most sense. With print ads, you have your chance to tell your stories using headlines, images and copy. With video, you can tell your story with movement and emotion. So why not put your marketing dollars to good use with both?

The talented professionals at SCV Unscripted are here to help. Let the experts bring your business or organization into the 21st century with a personalized video…short, expressive, and impactful…unscripted. With only 90 minutes of filming time out of your day, Eve will lead the way as host with Bonnie behind the camera. Bonnie will then take her 30 years of video production experience and work her magic, creating a five minute video that can be uploaded to any social website, YouTube or presented on DVD. Participating advertisers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita and élite Magazine will also enjoy the benefits of video production, as your video will be promoted on our website, which receives over a thousand hits per day. Using your print advertising to improve your online visibility by pushing people to your website and social networking is proven to be effective.

Ready, set…and now it’s time for action! The first ten videos produced will receive a reduced rate. For details, contact Moe Hafizi at 661-294-4444 ext. 112, or email scvunscripted@yahoo.com. For more information about SCV Unscripted, visit www.scvunscripted.com. See you on the web! (Note: This is for all kinds of businesses, not just wine-based companies. You can also email Eve with any questions: Eve@evewine101.com)

When I read all about the wonderful winemakers and beer makers that were highlighted in a story in Elite magazine, I asked for permission from Elite to reprint the story here on my site. I hope you enjoy learning about how these local winemakers give back – and I see many of you at Sunset in the Vineyard on November 4. Below the story is additional information sent to me by Jeannie Carpenter, who is co-chairing the event with Leila Rosenberger, as well as a link for tickets.

SCV Winemakers Give Back To The Community

Winemakers give to so many in a philan- thropic way, whether they donate their wine or help pour, and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, we at élite Magazine, wanted to focus on some of the generous people in SCV who we are proud to call our own, who have graciously given back to our community. We would also like to thank them for their giving spirit.

Whistling Vineyard

Roman Weiser

My fascination for wine goes back to my childhood. Born and raised in poorest of villages in Czechoslovakia, I often read about culinary arts and the amazing wines of France. In 1989, I said goodbye to Eastern Europe and hello to America. In 2006, I trans- formed the east sloping hill behind my house covered with brush, into a vineyard of 75 plants of Syrah and 25 of Grenache. My wines are all natural, made from bio dynamically grown vines the old fashion way – grow, harvest, stomp, ferment and bottle.

Sharing wines with friends is fun. It is special however, to share the wines with friends while helping those less fortunate. I can relate to people who have very little or nothing at all. Offering my wines and participating in charity events in SCV is my way of giving back to the community that gave me so much.

Compa Vineyard

Jeannie, Chris & Tim Carpenter

Wine is meant to be shared, and we have been happy to share and donate to our community. My husband Chris and I began our journey into the world of wine in 1985. We attended small wine pairings. After many years of wine country visiting resulting in a cellar of outstanding wines, we constructed a temp controlled wine room. We decided to offer our wine to local charities; The Youth Orchestra, the SCV Senior Center Wine Auction, Boys & Girls Club to name a few.

In 2005 we planted a vineyard with my brother-in-law, Tim Carpenter, making wine with fellow enthusiasts. We reached out to my favorite charity: Assistance League of Santa Clarita and offered our home and adjacent vineyard for the fabulous fundraiser Sunset in the Vineyard. Bringing our love of wine, winemaking with friends and food together, it has been a great success!

Bouquet Vineyard

Danny & Nina Mascari

Nina and I are home winemakers, and call ourselves Bouquet Vineyard. We own a four acre ranch property and planted one and a half acres in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grape (approximately 1,000 vines) 18 years ago. We have been involved with Assistance League and “Sunset in the Vineyard” since the event was started. Nina and I enjoy supporting Assistance League, and do so by pouring our wines at this very unique event. Though we have been involved in other charitable wine events, this is the only event where we pour our own wines. Come stop by and try our Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat, and Sangiovese wines.

Bobcat

Tomas &Jenny Lukas

Several years ago we were fortunate enough to meet several other home wine makers here in the SCV. Over the years we have developed a network of contacts through our group of friends, which has allowed us all to benefit by obtaining access to reliable grape growers, equipment and different views on the art of wine making.

Members of the wine making group also introduced us to participating in philanthropic events that were based around wine tasting. With many different vehicles available to a person who would like to donate time or money to a worthy cause, being able to give back with a wine that you worked hard to produce, make the effort seem even better. We are happy to say that we have participated in Sunset in the Vineyard since its inception along with many other local wine tasting events over the years and look forward to many years more.k

Nuggucciet Estate Vineyard

Russ &Nancy Briley

Nuggucciet Cellars is a boutique winery producing very small quantities of pinot noir. Nancy and I have been very involved with the community especially in our younger years.

While we had to cut back on our community involvement, making wine has reintroduced us to helping serve non-profits and our community in another way. We have donated wine and poured at the Circle of Hope, Vine to Wine Classic, the Wine Affair, Sunset in the Vineyard and we were also the featured wine for the VIP dinner at the Jazz Festival held at Valencia Country Club last year.

One Vine Four Branches

Jeff Lippencott

I have been growing Syrah and Cabernet grapes in Hasley Canyon now for six years. I am only a hobbyist and enjoy the whole process from farming the vines until it’s poured in the glass several years later. I have been all over to learn and study all different types of wine and winemaking styles. Up until this year, my volume has been fairly low as the vines had yet reached maturity. Now that I am making a larger volume of wine my hope is to be able to offer my wine to charities and local fund raising events. My 2010 Syrah won a gold medal in the L.A. Cellar Masters home winemaking competition and a silver medal in Wine Makers Magazine home winemakers competition which is the largest of it’s kind in the world.

Pulchella Winery

Steve Lemley &Nate Hasper

Pulchella Winery is not only dedicated to producing world class, premium Paso Robles wines right here in the SCV, we are also very dedicated to supporting the local community that supports us. We are winemakers who allocate a large amount of wines each vintage to support many local charities and fund raisers. Many of these charities are managed by close friends of ours and their organizations’ income relies on events and fundraisers to keep their cause supported. It’s the least we can do for the SCV given all the support the winery and tasting room has received.

Kerry & Susie Clark

Two Hearts Cellars

Two Hearts Estate Vineyard is nestled in the rolling foothills north of Santa Clarita. We are “amateur” winemakers who make award-winning wines from our own grapes as well as from grapes that we source from around the globe. For us wine has always been about sharing. We feel fortunate that doing something we love to do can also help others. We are proud to donate our time and our wines to help our community.

We encourage wine fans and the wine curious to join us in enjoying and leaning about wine while supporting local charities. Looking forward to seeing you at the next event.

Alonso Family Vineyards

Juan Alonso

My father had vineyards when I was growing up and I thought it would be a great thing to do as well. I started with planting about 50 grapevines in 1995 and it just kept growing and growing. Every year, I kept planting more, and now I have about five acres in the Agua Dulce area. The vineyards are located near Le Chene Restaurant along Sierra Highway. We grow Grenache, Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Alvarino and many other varietals.

I have been a part of the SCV Senior Wine Auction for 17 years, and also Sunset in the Vineyard, the Agua Dulce Fair and much more. I feel it is important to give back to the community… without the community you have no business, and I think it is important to share and to give.

Latest additions to the auction:

7-Day Cruise donated from the Princess Cruises Foundation
The artisans will donate a dinner & pizza for 10 with the winemakers.

Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. For more information, contact Jeannie Carpenter at 661-255-5853 or e-mail ALsantaclarita@gmail.com. Information about Assistance League membership, philanthropic programs and community involvement can be found on their website www.assistanceleague-alsc.org.